Tickets to the Tivoli—or any other theater

Who doesn’t love a good show? Be sure to include tons of candy for some movie munchies.

A massage gift certificate, available from the South 40 Fitness Center

Perfect for an early gift, especially since we’re in the midst of super-stressful exam weeks. Remind your friends that they need to take time to relax.

A Christmas or Hanukkah basket

For Christmas, buy lights, a stocking, ornaments, candy canes, a little tree or anything else Christmas-themed. For Hanukkah, stick with dreidels, gelt and any other tchotchkes you can find. If you’re feeling particularly generous, give a menorah, either the traditional candle or the electric kind.

Magazine subscription

Need I say more?

C is for cookie!

That’s good enough for me!

Like to bake? Make your specialty, nestle it in festive tissue paper in a box, wrap it, tie a bow and deliver with love. Or if you’re not such a keen cook, give a make-your-own, enter-baked-good-of-your-choice-here gift. Find a glass jar and a simple recipe. Layer the dry ingredients such as flour and sugar in a jar, include the recipe on a card tied around the neck of the jar, and wait for them to offer you a taste of the treat. After all, you did help!

For a sweet and simple gift, do the same with hot chocolate. Layer the cocoa powder with marshmallows, a cute mixing spoon and a mug or two.

This is just a short sampling of gifts-that-could-be. Think about something unique to your recipient, like something special that you have in common or an inside joke, and give a gift that’s meaningful and special. If you put just a little thought into it, anything you give will be appreciated. After all, it’s the thought that counts.